Log rolling apparatus

ABSTRACT

Log rolling apparatus for amusement and exercise on land, having a simulated log rotatably mounted on a supporting frame. The frame is comprised of two spaced ground-engaging end plates. Fixed axially to the log is a shaft, and each end of this shaft removably carries a bearing cap. The bearing caps are rotatably mounted in the end plates. The rolling freedom of the log is controlled by clamps which adjust the friction between the end plates and bearing caps. A pair of spacer bars extend parallel to the log, one on each side, and interconnect the end plates. These bars are of flattened cross section and are located downwardly and inwardly of the log to minimize the possibility of injury to a rider who slips off the log.

United States Patent Robert J. L. Etchelecou 5024 Mount Drive, San Diego, Calif. 92117 [21] Appl. No. 886,187

[22] Filed Dec. 18, 1969 [45] Patented Jan. 1 l, 1972 [72] inventor [54] LOG ROLLING APPARATUS B, 57 R, 57 D, 64, 69, 60; 46/2, 7, 45, 236, 243 M; 308/10, 24,161, 215, 238, 240; 35/77 [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,106,395 10/1963 Birkenbeul et al 272/60 X 1,407,642 2/1922 Day et al 272/1 B UX 1,780,479 11/1930 Griffith 272/57D Primary Examiner-Richard C. Pinkham Assistant Examiner-R. T. Stouffers Attorney-Carl R. Brown ABSTRACT: Log rolling apparatus for amusement and exercise on land, having a simulated log rotatably mounted on a supporting frame. The frame is comprised of two spaced ground-engaging end plates. Fixed axially to the log is a shaft, and each end of this shaft removably carries a bearing cap. The bearing caps are rotatably mounted in the end plates. The rolling freedom of the log is controlled by clamps which adjust the friction between the end plates and bearing caps. A pair of spacer bars extend parallel to the log, one on each side, and interconnect the end plates. These bars are of flattened cross section and are located downwardly and inwardly ofthe log to minimize the possibility of injury to a rider who slips off the log.

PATENTED JAN: 1 I972 3.633905 l2 I 4 k {is 1 4 I :7 I I 11 i I! |llW32 I W m INVENTOR. if I L ROBERT J. L. ETCHELECOU 42 M @0144 40 2 38 4o ATTORNEY LOG ROLLING APPARATUS BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Log rolling in its original form, using an actual log floating in water, requires considerable skill and usually results in one or both participants getting wet. Simulated logs have been developed, with a variety of anchoring devices to control drifting and rollerlike devices have been made to roll on the ground, or other supporting surface. The ground-rolling types have considerable horizontal motion, requiring a different foot action from that used on a floating log, which remains nearly in one position.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The apparatus described herein comprises a simulated log mounted in bearings on a simple supporting frame. To provide control over the log rotation and thus over the skill required, the bearings have adjustable friction means which is easily set as required. Elements of the bearings are replaceable when worn, to prolong the useful life of the apparatus. The supporting frame is compact and light weight and is designed to minimize the possibility of injury to a rider who slips off the log.

An object of this invention, therefore, is to provide log rolling apparatus of simple, readily serviceable construction, with means for controlling the rolling freedom of the log to suit individual skills.

Other objects and many advantages of this invention will become more apparent upon a reading of the following detailed description and an examination of the drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate like parts throughout and in which:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the complete apparatus. FIG. 2 is an enlarged and elevation view thereof.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken on line 3-3 of FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a top plan view of one end of the apparatus.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT The apparatus comprises two basic units, a supporting frame and a roller or log 12. Frame 10 has a pair of generally rectangular vertical end plates 14 interconnected by a pair of parallel spacer bars 16 into an elongated structure to rest on a supporting surface. Conventional feet or levelling means may be attached to the end plates if necessary. Log 12 is a cylindrical member of wood, plastic, or other suitable material and has an axial shaft 18 of noncircular cross section to simplify locking of the log to the shaft. A square shaft is shown, but other cross-sectional shapes may be equally suitable. The log has a rough, rugged surface to reduce slipping of the user.

The two ends of the apparatus are identical and one will be described in detail. Shaft 18 has an extended end 20 on which is fitted a cylindrical bearing cap 22, that has one end 23 in abutment with the adjacent end of log 12, and with an enlarged diameter-retaining flange 24 adjacent the inner end. Bearing cap 22 is secured to the shaft end 20 by a diametrical bolt 26 nd nut 28, the bolthead and nut being recessed into the cap to leave a smooth outer surface, as in FIG. 3. The bearing cap rests in an arcuate notch 30 in end plate 14, the notch having a recessed arcuate groove 32 to receive the retaining flange 24, which holds the log against axial shifting.

Fixed on the outside of end plate 14 is a bearing block 34, having an arcuate notch 36 matching and aligned with notch 30, the outer end portion of bearing cap 22 resting in notch 36. The log is held in place by a clamp saddle 38 fitted over bearing cap 22 and having end lugs 40, through which wingbolts 42 are threaded into the end portions of bearing block 34. Saddle 38 could also be held by wing or knurled-type nuts on bolts or threaded studs extending upwardly from the bearing block. Bearing cap 22, bearing block 34 and end plate 14 are shown sectioned for plastic, but other materials having suitable wear characteristics and allowing smooth rotation may be used.

By adjusting wingbolts 42, the clamping friction on the bearing caps 22 can be controlled, allowing the freedom of rotation of the log to be varied to suit individual skills. Since the clamping action concentrates the pressure of the bearing caps primarily on the bearing blocks, wear on the end plates is minimized, and the wear affected components are easily replaced when worn.

It should be noted that the spacer bars 16 are shown as being of rectangular cross section and inclined downwardly and inwardly under the log 12. This keeps the spacer bars clear of the floor area immediately adjacent the log and minimizes the chance of injury to a rider who might slip improves and adjustments can quickly off the log and could catch a foot in an exposed structural member. The inclined configuration of the spacer bars, with the greater width of the bars disposed angularly to two possible planes of distortion, adds greatly to the rigidity of the frame and makes additional bracing unnecessary. When constructed as a toy, primarily of plastic material, the apparatus is light and easy to handle and requires little storage space. A more rugged competitive-type structure is still easily handled. In any structural form the variable friction clamping allows the freedom of the log to be increased skill of the riders improves, and adjustments can quickly be made at any time to suit skilled or unskilled individuals.

Having described my invention, 1 now claim.

1. A log rolling apparatus, comprising,

a supporting frame having a pair of rigidly interconnected end plates,

a substantially cylindrical log having bearing means extending axially from opposite ends thereof and bearing on said end plates,

adjustable frictional clamping means securing said bearing means to said end plates,

a pair of spaced parallel spacer bars fixed between and interconnecting said end plates, and

said spacer bars being of flattened cross section and inclined downwardly and inwardly under said log on opposite sides of the axis thereof.

2. A log rolling apparatus, comprising,

a supporting frame having a pair of rigidly interconnected end plates,

a substantially cylindrical log having bearing means extending axially from opposite ends thereof and bearing on said end plates,

adjustable frictional clamping means securing said bearing means to said end plates,

said log has an axial shaft fixed therein and projecting from opposite ends,

said bearing means comprising cylindrical bearing caps secured on said shaft ends, and

said bearing caps are removably and nonrotatably secured to said shaft.

3. Log rolling apparatus according to claim 2, and including bearing blocks secured to said end plates and having arcuately notched portions in which said bearing caps are journaled.

4. Log rolling apparatus according to claim 3, wherein said clamping means comprises a saddle member straddling each of said bearing caps and being adjustably secured to the respective bearing block.

5. Log rolling apparatus according to claim 4, wherein each of said bearing caps has a radially extending annular retaining flange, said end plates having grooves to receive said retaining flanges and hold said log against axial displacement. 

1. A log rolling apparatus, comprising, a supporting frame having a pair of rigidly interconnected end plates, a substantially cylindrical log having bearing means extending axially from opposite ends thereof and bearing on said end plates, adjustable frictional clamping means securing said bearing means to said end plates, a pair of spaced parallel spacer bars fixed between and interconnecting said end plates, and said spacer bars being of flattened cross section and inclined downwardly and inwardly under said log on opposite sides of the axis thereof.
 2. A log rolling apparatus, comprising, a supporting frame having a pair of rigidly interconnected end plates, a substantially cylindrical log having bearing means extending axially from opposite ends thereof and bearing on said end plates, adjustable frictional clamping means securing said bearing means to said end plates, said log has an axial shaft fixed therein and projecting from opposite ends, said bearing means comprising cylindrical bearing caps secured on said shaft ends, and said bearing caps are removably and nonrotatably secured to said shaft.
 3. Log rolling apparatus according to claim 2, and including bearing blocks secured to said end plates and having arcuately notched portions in which said bearing caps are journaled.
 4. Log rolling apparatus according to claim 3, wherein said clamping means comprises a saddle member straddling each of said bearing caps and being adjustably secured to the respective bearing block.
 5. Log rolling apparatus according to claim 4, wherein each of said bearing caps has a radially extending annular retaining flange, said end plates having grooves to receive said retaining flanges and hold said log against axial displacement. 